Deputy Speaker, hon members, the UDM is concerned about the effects of the recession on the average South African. People are struggling to make ends meet. Therefore we condemn wasteful and extravagant expenditure by government.
The economic situation is dire, as reflected by the shortfall of billions of Rand in tax revenues, which proves that government simply cannot afford to waste precious funding. The UDM is concerned about the growing Budget deficit. It is not healthy to incur such a long-term debt, which future generations will inevitably inherit.
The UDM is also concerned that the Minister will face an uphill battle against the left wing of the ruling alliance, which seems to be launching an all out attack on the idea of a free market. Now more than ever the UDM believes that a responsible and caring government should also be a government that allows the entrepreneurial drive of the man in the street to flourish. Now is the time to encourage people to create new wealth and prosperity. The UDM support this Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement. I thank you.